Eliot Kamenitz/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Hornets guard Darren Collison, who led all rookies with a 21.6 scoring average, 8.3 assists and 1.8 steals in February, puts up a shot against Spurs guard Keith Bogans on Monday night at the New Orleans Arena.In February, Collison led all rookies with a 21.6 scoring average, 8.3 assists and 1.8 steals with a 41.7-minute average in 13 games. In Sunday's 108-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Collison scored a career-high 35 points.

Collison had his first career triple-double Feb. 19 when he had 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists against the Indiana Pacers. Collison is the fifth Hornets' player in franchise history to win the award (Paul, Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning and J.R. Smith).

"My expectation is to make the playoffs, " Collison said. "I just want the opportunity to show people I can help this team."

Filling in for Paul, who has missed 14 games after having knee surgery Feb. 4, Collison has scored at least 18 points with nine assists in seven consecutive games going into Monday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Only Oscar Robertson has had more consecutive games (eight in the 1960-61 season) with at least those numbers.

"Poise and confidence and leadership on the floor are areas that have all grown, " Hornets Coach/General Manager Jeff Bower said. "I think his offensive game is something he continues to build and improve through his experiences. He's learning how to utilize his speed and quickness to the fullest advantage."

In the past 10 games, Collison has averaged 23.9 points, 8.1 assists and 2.2 steals. Since Paul has been sidelined, the Hornets have gone 6-8.

"It's good he got recognized, " rookie shooting guard Marcus Thornton said. "He's put in a lot of work since Chris has been out, and he stepped in right away."

Paul, meanwhile, continues to go through rehabilitation that includes pregame shooting drills. Paul possibly is another week away from returning. "He's making progress, and we are encouraged by all of that, " Bower said.

DEFENSIVE WOES: The Hornets continue to have problems with their interior defense.

The Dallas Mavericks became the latest opponent to shoot better than 50 percent, finishing at 51.7 percent after scoring 69 points in the first half during Sunday night's victory at the American Airlines Center. In their past five games, the Hornets have surrendered 49.1 percent shooting. In the first quarter Monday night, the Spurs shot 66.7 percent from the field to take a 31-24 lead.

To improve, Bower said it's a matter of executing effectively for longer periods. The Hornets most glaring flaw is not getting enough rotation help on drives into the lane.

AMONG THE CROWD: Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Rickey Jackson, who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month, sat courtside and was introduced to a cheering crowd before the start of the second quarter.

STRUGGLING: Hornets backup forward James Posey entered Monday night's game shooting 1-of-11 from the field, including all eight attempts missed from behind the 3-point line, in the past five games.

Posey has combined to score four points. In the first half against the Spurs, Posey missed his first two attempts before hitting a 3-pointer. It was his first 3-pointer since Feb. 17 after missing 12 in a row.

BOUNCE BACK: After making three of 15 shots from the field for 10 points Sunday night against the Mavericks, forward David West scored 10 points in the first half against the Spurs. He made five of 12 shots and grabbed three rebounds, but the Hornets trailed 58-47 at the half.

Since relocating to New Orleans from Charlotte, N.C., during the 2002-03 season, the Hornets have not won a regular-season series against the Spurs. The Spurs entered Monday with a 2-0 edge against the Hornets, winning the opener in San Antonio 113-96 Oct. 28, and defeating the Hornets 97-90 Jan. 18 at the Arena.

TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE: The Hornets did not have to face Spurs forward Antonio McDyess, who missed Monday night's game because of a hyperextended left knee suffered in Sunday's victory against the Phoenix Suns.

The Spurs waived veteran forward Michael Finley before the game, honoring his request for a release so he can sign with another team to earn more playing time.